Disney to bring a live-action 3D version of Mulan to the big screen for 2018

Share This Post

Following in the glass-slippered footsteps of Cinderella, Maleficent and the upcoming Beauty and the Beast, Disney has now fast-tracked a live-action 3D (the first for a live-action Disney movie!) version of its 1998 animated film, Mulan.

The House of Mouse has also settled on a premiere date for the film, which is now slated to hit the big screen right on time for Thanksgiving, on Nov. 12, 2018. The spec for Mulan was penned by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (which Disney bought last year), and the studio has now tapped Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (both of whom have worked on the screenplays for Jurassic World and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) to polish the script.

If you guys will recall, the story is based on the legend of Hua Mulan, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Chinese military in lieu of her aging father (who was once a legendary warrior) in order to repel a Hun invasion. According to Deadline, Disney plans to cast its net far and wide in the search to find a Chinese lead actress in the titular role.

Although Mulan has never been at the top of my list as one of my favorite Disney films (I’ve always been more partial to Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, with a soft spot for The Emperor’s New Groove), I'm really thrilled to see Disney’s trend of making films starring strong female characters is going strong.

Next up? The Little Mermaid, Maleficent 2, Cruella and a live-action Tinker Bell. As for Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, the movie will open the doors to the magical castle on March 17, 2017.

What do you guys think about Disney making a live-action 3D Mulan movie? Which Chinese actress would you like to see in the lead role?